Speaker cautions colleagues over financial autonomy

The Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr Aniekan  Bassey, has called on his colleagues in the country not to see autonomy granted the legislature by Mr President as an avenue for legislative rascality.

Rather, it should be taken as a means for more co-operation of powers amongst the tripod in the realm of governance.

This was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press secretary, Mr Emmanuel Effiong and made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday.

According to him, “the signing of the Executive Order No 10 by President Muhammadu Buhari, granting financial autonomy to the legislative and judicial arms of government across the country is a panacea towards the smooth conduct of government businesses within the three arms government”.

The Speaker’s advice which was in reaction to the President Order, further warned that, does not call for ego tripping.

His words: “The financial autonomy granted to the two arms oof government does not call for ego-tripping nor is it for muscle flexing with the executive arm of government. 

It is meant for co-operation of power amongst the tripod.

“It is also meant to re-position governance in the three arms of government where each arm works assiduously  in changing the social, political and economic  narratives of our people”, he said.

Bassey  commended the President for taking the bold initiative to strengthen the apparatus of government throughout the country, noting that, the three arms of government must as a matter of necessity, continue to  co-operate and collaborate with one another towards effective service delivery to the overall benefit of the people of Nigeria. 

He observed that, there was urgent need for all the three arms of government to continue to synergize in a bid to address the numerous socio/economic challenges facing the people. 

Meanwhile,  the Speaker, has commended the state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, for the efficient and proactive manner he had carried along other arms of government by ensuring quick and timely releases of their budgetary allocations even before the President  signed the Executive Order No10 last Friday. 

He disclosed that, the Governor had always released timely all votes meant for the legislative and judicial arms of government as at when due.

He however, called on the other 35 state governors to continue to see the other two arms of government as partners in progress in the task of making lives more comfortable for the citizenry.